Australia: Sirens Star to end layoff in Monday handicap at Newcastle

Sirens Star returned from a three-month layoff to win a maiden race in Australia last November, a victory that takes on added significance when she starts in a handicap for fillies and mares at 6 1/4 furlongs at Newcastle Racecourse on Monday evening.

The handicap will be Sirens Star’s first start since Christmas Eve, and her ability to win after a rest earlier in her career could lead to a second career win at Newcastle.

Trained by Jason Coyle, Sirens Star is a closer who will be well suited to the distance. When she beat maidens in a race at 6 1/4 furlongs at Canterbury Park last November, Sirens Star closed from last of eight to win by slightly less than a half-length.

At Newcastle, Sirens Star will be ridden for the first time by Adam Hyeronimus for trainer Jason Coyle. Hyeronimus has been aboard Sirens Star for two schooling races from the gate, or barrier trials, in recent weeks, and will ride the 4-year-old filly in a race for the first time at Newcastle.

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Sirens Star finished second in her debut against winners at Wyong Racecourse on Christmas Eve, closing from 10th in a field of 11 to finish second by slightly more than 1 3/4 lengths.

Sirens Star is part of another big field at Newcastle. The race drew 11 and is part of an eight-race program that begins at 9:50 p.m. Eastern, or 6:50 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

The race lacks a heavy favorite. Sirens Star was 6-1 in early betting on Sunday behind Ottilie (3-1) and Mount Warning (7-2).

Ottilie is a deserving favorite on the basis of three wins in nine starts. A 4-year-old filly, Ottilie was second in her last start in a seven-furlong handicap against males on Jan. 21 in which she was second early, led briefly and was beaten a head.

Mount Warning won her third career start in a five-furlong maiden race at Gosforth Racecourse on April 25, and was fourth by four lengths in a handicap for 3-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs on May 17, closing from last in a field of seven.

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